TOTS & BLOCKS: Curriculum...

Curriculum:

Each month teachers, children and parents explore a social science theme and the entire school bursts with the sights and sounds of that theme.  Parents receive “The Tots & Blocks Times” from the office to alert them as to what’s going on. The individual classroom teachers also send home their own newsletter so parents are kept up to date on their child’s class activities (Show and Tell, an alphabet letter they’re studying or what happened when they tried a sink and float experiment).

Example:  A January theme may deal with the new weather pattern we are currently experiencing.  We learn what animals do (grow thicker coats, sleep, travel etc) and our art projects, science experiences (ice fishing Tots & Blocks style) and co-created stories deal with this topic.  We take a picture of a tree to see how different it looks this month compared to its appearance beginning in September. An animal print in snow (shaving cream) is another favorite activity.  Since these activities are dynamic and hands on children are naturally involved because they are active learners.

Four to Five Year Old Age Group

Letter sounds (phonics) are introduced as part of each theme – usually 2 letters/month. During January, we may do Ww, make a whale in art and prepare waffles in science.  We practice writing the letters as well as our names in upper and lower case letters.  Scissor skills are encouraged as well as independent reinforcement work for all of the areas we have covered.  Taking turns at speaking as well as with materials becomes pretty routine with extra help offered as needed.  The children have access to a computer for reinforcement and games.

Once a week the pre-kindergarten classes have un reunion (meeting) in the lobby. Mrs. Meyers exposes us to the mystery of foreign language in this case - French.  We learn how to introduce ourselves, count to 10, describe the weather, learn politeness phrases and things of interest to the children.  We are amazed at what they retain from week to week and what carries over to home.

Three to Four Year Old Age Group

Activities for this age group reflect their more limited attention span and need for individual assistance and nurturance.  For many children, this is their first experience away from home and we recognize the challenges this poses to the child and his parents.  Socially, children learn the difference between sharing and taking turns, how to approach another child to initiate play and how to form a line and stay in it.  Cognitively, we discuss colors and shapes, number concepts (not just counting), name and alphabet recognition.  Different art media are used to develop fine motor skills and create a sense of accomplishment.

Music

All groups come into the lobby daily for music with Mrs. Jones.  She starts with familiar tunes like the ABC song and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to get the children comfortable with the keyboard sounds and how to follow her lead.  We add in seasonal and holiday songs as appropriate and even some contemporary music the children ask about.  In December our 4-5 year old groups perform on the stage of a Middle School in Old Bridge on a Saturday.  Friends and family are invited to attend.  Our 3-4 year old groups do a Show in early Spring.  Our children going on to Kindergarten have a Graduation Ceremony in June.

Home and School

All parents are invited to “Take a Peek” during a week in October to see their child in her classroom.

November – School wide parent-teacher Conferences with a choice of day or evening appointment

December – Older classes Holiday Show at Jonas Salk School

February  - “Tots & Blocks Sings” – a CD created by the children with Mrs. Jones available for purchase

March – Younger classes Spring Show, School wide Conferences

April - A Yearbook which is a pictorial compendium of all our activities from September.  Each child has their picture in at least twice and parents are photographed at birthday parties, Halloween etc.

May – Science Fair – held on a Saturday for full family participation- a chance to do science experiences with your child and teacher as well as make and take opportunities

June – Graduation

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